<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Below is the summary of responses to my question below regarding, "cetyl alcohol". I hope this helps anyone that also had the same questions. "The ingredient, cetyl alcohol is found in chapsticks. Does anyone know about this ingredient and whether or not it is gluten-free? Thank you for your responses." Sidona Ryan 1. Cetylalcohol is a synthetic alcohol with 16 carbon atoms (methylalcohol has 1 and ethylalcohol which is present in alcoholic beverages has 2). No link with gluten!!! F.W. Janssen, Zutphen, The Netherlands 2. Cetyl Alcohol (also called Alcohol cetylicus, palmityl alcohol, Hexadecan-1-ol) is used in the paharmaceutical industry as a coating agent, emulsifying agent and stiffening agent. Its also used a lot in cosmetics (especially lotions, creams and ointments.) Its use in cosmetics is widespread because it is emollient and absorbes water and helps emulsify mixtures. It also makes products more stable and improves their texture. It helps to lubricate and soften the skin. It is manufactured from fatty acids, usually those fom coconut oil or tallow. I figure it would most probably be GF but it may be best to check with the product manufacturer. Regards Dawn G 3. Merck Index says it is a liquid alcohol made from spermaceti ("a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and esp. sperm whales and used in ointments, cosmetics, and candles"). I would be really surprised if it comes into contact with gluten any time during its manufacture, unless a worker drops a sandwich into a vat.... But Merck also mentions that some cetyl alcohol is made in a different way by various chemical synthesis methods (without hurting any whales in the process... i.e., not from spermaceti). I would still be surprised if gluten contamination would be a problem with it, since gluten is a grain protein and really wouldn't be likely to be used in such a synthesis. At least not in any one that I ever studied. Peace, Cathy Flick [log in to unmask] 4. I don't know about cetyl alcohol, but one ingredient you do need to watch for that is in some chapstick type lip balms, is phenol. Not because it contains gluten, but because it is dangerous. Phenol destroys many of the nerve fibers that it comes in contact with. It is a nerve deadener and is used in Lysol disinfectant spray. (The odor killer really just numbs our 'smellers'.) It is also a suspected carcinogen. I have created a website that addresses the issue of overexposure to chemicals in our environment and in the products we use every day for ourselves and our homes. I invite you to visit the site and read more about some of the hazards. http://myfreeoffice.com/cleansafe I am still working on it and will be adding more, so revisit often. Thanks, Diane